Actavis' generic Strattera gets OK from FDA

By Alaric DeArment

MORRISTOWN, N.J. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug made by Actavis for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Actavis said Wednesday.

The FDA approved the drug maker’s atomoxetine hydrochloride capsules in the 10-mg, 18-mg, 25-mg, 40-mg, 60-mg, 80-mg and 100-mg strengths. The drug is a generic version of Eli Lilly’s Strattera, which had $532 million in sales during the 12-month period ended in June, according to IMS Health.

Actavis has not yet set a launch date for the drug, as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is reviewing an Aug. 12 ruling that invalidated Lilly’s patent on the drug, which will expire in 2017.